Foundation Friday: Norton County Community Foundation

Bethany Shirk with the Norton County Community Foundation joined NWKS Radio's Lucas Kenney for another edition of Foundation Friday. Items of discussion included how the year has gone overall, the impact of a feel-good story in Norton, a look ahead at their match month campaign, a look into the scholarships they have available, and some grants they gave out earlier this year.

First off, Shirk talked about some highlights from the year so far for the foundation, which includes a match day in June that raised over $400,000, 18 new funds that have been created, and lots of great impacts made throughout Norton County.

Another item they covered was a story that came out a few months ago regarding inmates at the Norton Correctional Facility. They put together funds to donate to USD 211 Norton Schools which helped take care of unpaid lunch fees. After hearing this story, fund holders, doners, as well as the board at the NCCF decided to create a fund that can hopefully have some long-term implications for lunch fees in Norton County.

The month of November is very important for Shirk and the NCCF, as the eleventh month of the year marks their annual match month campaign. All month, people can come into the foundation office and donate to a fund of their choice. Donations will then be matched by other entities to amplify the good done that month. Their goal this year is to raise $50,000 before the matches.

A huge part of the Norton County Community Foundation is the scholarships that they provide for graduating seniors, as well as a brand new in-college scholarship available to current college students. Shirk mentioned that on average, they give out around $20,000 in scholarship funds to Norton Community High School seniors.

The last things Shirk wanted to cover was grants that they have given out this year. Their entire service area, which is Norton County, can apply for a grant. A few of the projects they have helped fund included new band uniforms for NCHS, a few projects at the public library in Almena, and a new sign in Lenora.

For more information about the Norton County Community Foundation such as where to donate or apply for a scholarship or grant, you can visit their website HERE.

Below is the full interview with Bethany Shirk, Executive Director of the NCCF.